If you have been in an accident, your insurance claim is going to rise or fall on whatever solid foundation you can build out of good evidence. Some of the best evidence you can collect are great accident scene photographs. Good pictures taken at the scene of the accident right after it happened can corroborate a story, clear up disputes, and prove claims. Follow our tips for getting case-winning snap shots.

Take Your Accident Scene Photographs Sooner Rather Than Later

Accident scene photographs are most relevant and provide the strongest evidence when they are taken right after the accident. That way they can show the facts of the accident as they actually were, not as they might have been. Conditions change as time passes. Accident scene photos that are taken hours or days after the accident will not be as accurate and convincing as those that are taken right after the accident happened. Almost everyone has access to a fairly decent camera on their cellphone in 2018. You can take photographs while you wait for law enforcement personnel to arrive at the scene.

The More Photographs the Better

Take several shots of the damage to the vehicles, the environment, and the road conditions. The more pictures you have the easier it will be to corroborate the claims made in your testimony and in your other photographs.

Shoot General Views of the Accident Scene and Details of the Vehicle Damage

It is important when determining what happened during an auto accident, to see where the vehicles were when the skidding stopped. If possible, take a shot of the vehicles’ positions after the accident.

It is important to remember that safety is the most important concern. Do not stop in moving traffic to take a picture for your personal injury claim. Please be reasonable, and stay safe.

Take Photographs of the Road and Weather Conditions

Road and weather conditions can affect who is at fault for the accident. It can be difficult to remember, after the fact, if road damage or ice may have caused the accident. Documents those conditions with your camera if you can.

Take Photos of Any Injuries You Sustained

If anyone has been injured, tastefully take photographs of your injuries and theirs to document them. Always ask permission to take photographs of another person. Do not photograph someone who may be dead or dying.

It may also help to take photographs of any of your injuries as they develop over time. In many cases, bruises and other injuries do not develop until the day after a car accident. Document these injuries over time. Also, document how these injuries impact your daily life and your ability to perform your daily tasks.